Associate Director of Academic Success & Bar Preparation

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

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POSITION SPECIFICS​

Penn State Dickinson Law seeks a motivated and driven new Associate Director of Academic Success & Bar Preparation to serve at our University Park location.

The Associate Director is a full-time staff administrator providing high-level support to the Academic Success and Bar Preparation faculty on the management, execution, and analysis of all academic success and bar preparation programs. They will also work in a collaborative relationship with all JD and LLM students, law faculty and administrators, and university offices. The Associate Director reports to the Director of Academic Success and Bar Passage in Carlisle and works in coordination with the Associate Dean of Academic Success in University Park.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Help prepare and provide instruction in connection with the law school’s academic success courses and workshops in University Park and as needed and determined by departmental faculty leadership; Instruction is focused on helping first-year law students maximize their potential for academic success, including topics like time management, outlining, exam preparation, and more.
• Counsel JD and LLM students through one-on-one and small group meetings via appointments and walk-in hours to increase their study and test taking skills and to support academic success.
• Provide academic skills advising and instruction for University Park students subject to the Enhanced Academic Support Program.
• Oversee the tutoring program in collaboration with the Director, including coordinating with Human Resources, student organizations, and faculty to ensure services are provided equitably at both locations.
• Support the spring and summer bar preparation courses by, on request, meeting with students and graduates individually to increase their bar exam skills, managing attendance records, guest teaching course sessions, and grading assignments.
• Create and maintain a webpage consisting of up-to-date bar admission and exam information and supplement resources, practice exam questions, and regular tips on class and exam preparation.
• Oversee the collection of law school bar exam results and annually prepare the first draft of the ABA Bar Questionnaire.
• Meet with students to advise them on courses to take and how to maximize their law school experiences, particularly during registration season.
• Refer students to Academic & Student Services, the Student Academic Handbook, and counseling resources as necessary
• Attend occasional on- and off-campus events, including some travel between law school locations in Carlisle and University Park
• Additional duties may be assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school
• Admission to any state bar
• Candidates must have 2 or more years of relevant experience in legal practice or higher education experience.
• Meaningful experience or demonstrated potential in teaching, tutoring, providing academic skills workshops, or training is required.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as Academic Program Specialist - Senior Professional, this position requires: Master's Degree 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None If filled as Academic Program Specialist - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Proven skills in written and oral communication
• Ability to exhibit empathy and compassion in a stressful environment
• Ability to handle confidential information, exhibit good judgment, and exemplify appropriate customer service in working with students, faculty, and all levels of university staff and officials
• Ability to prioritize workload effectively without supervision and take initiative in managing projects
• Strong computer skills for spreadsheet reporting, word-processing, creating presentation slides, instructional videos, and hosting meetings via online video platforms

WORK ARRANGEMENT

The target start date for this position is August 17, 2026, or sooner.  The Associate Director is expected to work in person at the University Park location, but on occasion and through agreement with departmental faculty leadership may occasionally work remotely.  Flexible work arrangement requests must be aligned with the needs of the department and law school and the essential duties of the position.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $59,580.00 - $94,980.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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